ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Commitree (PAC) on Thursday expressed serious concern over financial mismanagement and unlawful recruitment within the Pakistan Post Office during a review of audit objections pertaining to the Ministry of Communications.

During the session, chaired by Junaid Akbar Khan, the PAC also established a new subcommittee to address the matter further. Muneeb Amir Pirzada was appointed as its convener, with Nadeem Abbas, Khawaja Shiraz and Saleem Mandviwalla named as members.

Audit officials highlighted that the Pakistan Post Office Department opened multiple accounts in the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) without proper authorisation. While the Finance Division had approved the opening of three accounts, the Post Office opened two additional ones without approval.

`Despite the audit objections, no departmental action has been taken so far,` audit officials stated. Communications Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud acknowledged that the Pakistan Post Office was facing significant operational challenges.

However, the committee chair expressed frustration over the lack of coordination between the Finance Division and the department.

`The Finance Division says it never received the request, while the secretary claims it was sent. Where is the disconnect?` asked Mr Akbar.

The committee has also officially sought a response from the Ministry of Finance.

The session also addressed allegations of illegal hiring within the Post Office.

Audit officials reported that advertisements were issued for 4,252 positions, despite only 3,938 being officially sanctioned.

`Most of the documents submitted by the hired individuals are fake. Jobs were sold, and you`re saying there`s a stay order?` remarked an outraged Mr Akbar.

Senator Afnanullah Khan added, `Those who accepted bribes and thosewho offered them are both at fault. Legal action should be taken against both.

The PAC decided to refer the matter to the NAB for investigation.

Misuse of over Rs4bn funds The committee also took up audit objections concerning the unauthorised use of over Rs4 billion in funds by Pakistan Post.

The committee members questioned how utility bill payments collected from citizens were misappropriated.

`These were public funds submitted by people paying their electricity bills.

How can you justify using them for other purposes?` questioned the chairman.

Calling the act akin to `robbery`, PAC members demanded accountability. Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood asked what disciplinary measures had been taken against those responsible.

In response, the communications secretary claimed that internal disciplinary steps had been initiated and emphasised the need for financial reconciliation with the National Bank.

The PAC has summoned officials from the NBP to the next session for further clarification on the matter.